Joel Belsvik passes; former PNGA Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Joel Belsvik of Bellevue, Wash. passed away on January 19. He was 95. Joel spent his career as a Civil Servant, and in retirement he became a devoted volunteer for the game of golf. For over 30 years, Joel and his wife Jackie gave their time to the game as volunteers for the Washington State Golf Association and Pacific Northwest Golf Association, and found great enjoyment rating golf courses and scorekeeping at events throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Vancouver, B.C. They were familiar faces to the players and staff at championships across the Pacific Northwest.

In 2003, Joel and Jackie received the Distinguished Service Award from the Pacific Northwest Golf Association. Considered the Association’s highest honor, the prestigious award recognizes some of the selfless volunteers who have donated their time and treasure simply for the betterment of the game.

(In 2007, Jackie also received the George Holland Volunteer of the Year Award, which annually recognizes those who have made extraordinary contributions to the Washington State Golf Association and the game of golf throughout WSGA territory.)

Joel served as a WSGA Club Representative since 1986 and PNGA Club Representative since 1992. He also served on the WSGA Course Rating Committee since 1986 (for which he also was a Team Leader). Joel was on the WSGA board of directors, serving as Vice President (District 2) since 1997.

They also enjoyed traveling the U.S. and Canada by car, golfing all the way. Joel was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jackie, two sons, two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He will be remembered fondly by everyone who knew him as a proud man with a big heart.

Joel’s ashes were scattered privately over Mount Si Golf Course in North Bend, Wash., the course he loved and played the most in his life. Joel’s family has asked that any donations be made to the PNGA Patrons of Golf program.